Jack Draper Admits He Does Not Want to Be ‘Normal’ After Carlos Alcaraz Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:34 PM ET

Jack Draper’s clay court campaign has been one of promise, grit, and growing maturity. However, after falling to Carlos Alcaraz at the Italian Open, the rising British star made it clear that he is not content with simply showing progress—he wants to be among the best.

In an honest post-match press conference, Draper didn’t shy away from the sting of defeat. Despite enduring a grueling stretch of tournaments on the clay, he refused to lean on fatigue as an excuse.

“Yeah, I mean, I've been playing some really good stuff. I'm really proud of the way I've approached the clay season, especially so far,” Draper said. “Obviously good results. Hard to keep on going. But I know that if I want to be a top, top player, I have to be consistent week in, week out.”

Draper, who has been steadily climbing the ATP rankings, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the clay swing. However, his performance against Alcaraz, the reigning Roland Garros champion, left him frustrated.

“I obviously lost to a great player today. I'm very disappointed with the way I performed in a way,” he admitted. “I think from a mental and emotional point of view, like, obviously you could say, ‘That's normal, you had a tough four weeks now’,” continued Draper.

“I don't want to be normal,” he added. “I want to be right up there. It hurts a lot, this kind of loss. But like I said, Carlos played a really good match and he was the better player. I have to accept that, go back to the drawing board, really prepare well for the French Open, know that I'm hopefully going to have many more chances against these great players.”

Jack Draper’s breakthrough into the ATP’s top five rankings, has been a boost to British tennis after the departure of Andy Murray from the scene. Draper will look to shoulder the pressures of winning bigger titles, and handling the grind required to beat some of the best players on the tour week in week out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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